Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet by Laekan Zea Kemp is a debut novel that guides the reader through a delicious, uplifting, and emotional experience. The novel begins with an opening scene at Nacho’s Tacos. Grease is hissing while music is booming through a speaker that transitions to the clanking sound of metal as well as a voice calling orders. As if this is not chaotic enough, Penelope or Pen, is in the midst of an internal battle. She is constantly telling herself she is a mess and that she is going to make a mistake, even though she is perfectly combining the aromatic ingredients to an authentic Mexican recipe. Pen is a natural at running the kitchen but she has a major secret. While Pen’s parents believe she is in school, she is actually skipping class and daydreaming about owning her own bakery. One day while sitting in the parking lot of her school, Pen realizes she cannot continue to lie to her parents. She finally confides in them but, without warning, her father fires her from the restaurant and she is forced to move out of her childhood home. Pen is left to fend for herself and discover if her passion of baking is worth risking it all.
Pen was always known to be one of the toughest workers at Nacho’s with a hard exterior This image is broken when she first meets Alejando, or Xander. With tears in her eyes, Pen wishes Xander good luck on his first day of work at Nacho’s. In fact, she tells him that he is about to enter the most faithful but fucked up family you will ever meet, which is exactly what Xander is looking for. As the novel switches from Pen’s to Xander’s perspective, the reader begins to unravel Xander’s story. Born in Puebla, Mexico, Xander was left by both of his parents. Xander is able to obtain closure from his mother’s farewell, but still seeks closure from his father due to his abrupt departure from Mexico to the United States. Several years later, Xander moves to the United States and lives with his abuelo, who kindly housed him under the condition they never speak about his son, Xander’s father. However, this does not stop Xander. With only a shoebox of memories from his father, Xander meets with multiple private investigators to try to locate him.
During some of their loneliest times, Pen and Xander support and propel each other to their biggest dreams. While Pen’s depression constantly shuts her down, Xander reminds her of her worth by spending some of his well-earned money on a grand gesture that sets up Pen’s successful future. Pen returns the favor by reminding Xander that he is no less of a person due to his undocumented status and rekindles an irreplaceable family connection. Their love story highlights the heart-wrenching empathy one can feel for another, and the blind devotion to make your other half happy.
Kemp discusses themes such as the importance of community, family, and believing in yourself with loveable characters and environment. Nacho’s serves as a safe haven to all the staff brought on by Pen’s father, who is always willing to provide an odd job or two for financial compensation. This family of misfits highlights the importance of compassion as one never knows where they might end up. My favorite theme Kemp touches on is the difficulty of feeling othered. Pen’s connection to her food becomes a symbol for Pen’s connection to her heritage, just as Xander’s undocumented status serves as a reminder of his difference amongst fellow Mexcians. This young adult novel will keep your stomach hungry but your heart full.
Book content warnings: self-harm, depression, parental abandonment, and documentation status.
Mariana Felix-Kim (she/her) lives in Washington, D.C. with her lovely cat, Leo. When she is not working in the environmental science field, Mariana is constantly reading. Her favorite genres include non-fiction, thrillers, and contemporary romances. Mariana is half Mexican and half Korean. You can find her on Instagram: @mariana.reads.books
